City cautions against electricity theft and infrastructure vandalism following substation explosion
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Date: 2025-07-16 13:13:16

City cautions against electricity theft and infrastructure vandalism following substation explosion

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 JULY 2025
 
CITY CAUTIONS AGAINST ELECTRICITY THEFT AND INFRASTRUCTURE VANDALISM FOLLOWING SUBSTATION EXPLOSION 
 
The City’s Energy Management Directorate has issued a stern warning to the public against electricity theft and infrastructure vandalism following a tragic incident that occurred this morning, 15 July.
 
Two bodies were discovered at the scene of an explosion at the Cocos and Bauhenia Mini Substation in Lotus Park, Isiphingo. 
 
The suspected theft and vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure led to this tragedy.  
 
Preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by unlawful interference with live electrical components, allegedly with the intent to sabotage. 
 
This triggered a fire that resulted in the deaths of two of the four suspects believed to have approached the substation with criminal intent. 
 
The explosion also caused the interruption of electricity supply in the area. 
 
While power has been restored in parts of the affected area, full restoration is expected later this evening. 
 
The substation has since been isolated in preparation for the installation of a new transformer.  
 
Acting Director of the Energy Management Directorate Philani Shange said this incident is a grave reminder of the dangers posed by electricity theft and infrastructure vandalism.
 
"Not only do such acts compromise the reliability of electricity supply for residents, but they also endanger lives, including those of perpetrators,” said Shange.  
 
The City strongly condemns all forms of infrastructure sabotage and urges the public to take an active role in safeguarding community resources. 
 
Residents are reminded that prevention is always better than cure and are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or signs of infrastructure tampering to law enforcement authorities immediately.  
 
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.